How can I ask a question that isn’t already here?

Check the index at the top of the page and if you have a question that isn’t answered you can ask your reps, email us at the usual address (BristolWestLDC.Conductors@gwr.com) or you can ask anonymously at: https://cloud.fjla.uk/index.php/apps/forms/bFfKxJfdxJMNkyr4, this way nobody, not us or GWR will be able to see who asked a question. As we receive questions we will update this document which is also available at: https://content.fb-infra.uk/btwldc/strike.

Why are we striking?

RMT, along with TSSA and ASLEF have been seeking agreements that our terms and conditions will note be changed detrimentally, to ensure catering on trains doesn’t continue to be removed, to ensure ticket offices aren’t cut, to ensure thousands of Network Rail engineering colleagues aren’t sacked and replaced with lower skilled agency workers that will impact the overall safety of rail operations, and to ensure guards remain on trains where they do so currently. While securing a pay rise is part of the action being taken, it is far from the only reason that the action is being taken.

Who is striking?

All grades represented by RMT are striking. This includes, catering, guards, drivers, stations, office staff and more are involved.

Members that are not part of RMT can also strike. This means ASLEF drivers, TSSA and UNITE staff can also strike with exactly the same protection as RMT members as from the perspective of the RMT these people are ‘non-members’ who are afforded the same protection as members.

Why are we striking now rather than calling an overtime ban?

The NEC made the decision to strike for three days in one week is to show the employers and the Government that we are willing to take serious action to resolve the dispute. There is currently no intention to strike for three days every fortnight as some rumours are saying. Any further action will be communicated to all of us when the decision has been made.

Do we have to strike?

No, you are not required to strike. However the more people involved in the action, the quicker a solution is likely to be found. Only you can make the decision whether to strike.

The union is made up of rail, transport and maritime employees and officials elected by us all, the decision to strike was made by the members and the days were chosen by the NEC which is made up of employees, each representing a region/sector.

There is also a chance that we will not end up going on strike if an agreement is reached between RMT’s elected officials and GWR.

Will I lose pay on the strike days?

If you are scheduled to work, you will not be paid for agreed strike days if you do not work. If you are RD then you will not have pay deducted. If you booked annual leave before the strike action was announced then this should be honoured by the company, however it is extremely unlikely additional leave beyond agreed minimums will be offered.

Can I book leave on the strike days to protect my income?

You are free to book ad-hoc leave for the strike days however it is not at all likely that it will be granted.

There is not enough notice for you to swap your leave in to any vacancies in the block leave sheets.

Will there be a picket line?

Picket lines will be at Bristol Temple Meads, Bath, Weston-Super-Mare, Bristol Parkway, St Phillips Marsh and NR Bristol Engineering. You can only be an official picket at the place that you work however you can go to any picket line as a supporter.

You can read about requirements and limitations of a picket line here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-picketing

Do I need to come to work or join a picket line on the strike days?

No, you do not need to. You are welcome to join a picket line but there is no requirement for you to do so. If you would like to join or support a picket, email us or bristol@rmt.org.uk for more information.

Do I have to tell my manager if I am striking?

No, your manager does not have to know if you are striking or even if you are a member of the RMT. If a manager – or RMT official – asks if you intend to strike, it is up to you whether you tell them. You do not have to inform resources, you simply do not turn up for work on the strike days.

Who is involved in the upcoming strike action?

The strike involves RMT members from:
Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, GWR, Northern, South Eastern, SWR, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, and West Midlands Trains.

Members at GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway which includes Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and Thameslink Trains), voted only for action short of a strike and will be on an overtime ban from 21^st - 26^th June. They are being re-balloted for strike action.

I am not a member of the RMT, should I strike?

The more people that take action, the sooner a solution is likely to be found. Every member of the balloted grades has the same protection, whether they are an RMT member, a member of another union or not a union member. This includes ASLEF drivers, as well as TSSA and UNITE staff.

A manager has asked to take over my train for them to refresh should I stop them?

You should not go against the request of someone who manages you. You can decline to hand over the train if you wish if you have a good reason to do so such as having a trainee with you or because you are being assessed/assessing.

I am in my probationary period, can I strike?

Yes, all grades represented by RMT can strike. You are legally protected by being part of the union, whether you are in a probationary period or not. This also includes apprentices who were also included in the ballot.

Will taking action affect my future job prospects within GWR?

No, your employer is not allowed to hold strike action against you. If you ever feel like you have been victimised because of past industrial action you should speak to the relevant union rep.

Is there any financial support by the union?

If you feel that you need financial support to take strike action, this needs to be discussed with your local Branch, in the case of Bristol TM Conductors this is Bristol Branch. They can be contacted at: bristol@rmt.org.uk. The Branch is looking to create a hardship fund which can be used to support anyone who is not able to strike due to loss of income.

The guidance isn't clear on the position of those in training (not just probation) - are we expected to strike?

Question continued:
As we lack any kind of competency, showing up is of no benefit to the company. I don't want to cross a picket line, but have been advised by a seemingly knowledgeable RMT member that we wouldn't be expected to strike as we currently don't really count as workers (that is my clumsy wording, not theirs).

If you are an RMT member, you were included in the ballot and the industrial action. Ultimately the decision whether to strike or not lies with you. If you do decide not to strike you should discuss with your manager what you are expected to do, you may – for example – be asked to assist with customer service.

It is a difficult question that I cannot give a simple, easy answer to as there will be some colleagues that would expect you to join with the strike and others that wouldn’t. I recommend discussing the issue with others in the same position, feel free to discuss in confidence with any RMT rep as well, before making your decision. Sorry that I can’t give a more specific answer to the question and I appreciate that is doesn’t clear anything up for you.